The Abia State House of Assembly has passed the Abia State Electricity Law, aimed at regulating electricity provision and increasing power supply in the state.
During a plenary presided over by Deputy Speaker Rt. Hon. Augustine Okezie, the Abia State Electricity Bill completed its reading and was passed into law.
Other bills presented for first reading included the Abia State Road Traffic and Safety Management Bill and the Abia State Lotteries and Gaming Authority Bill, sponsored by Hon. Anthony Chinasa.
In an interview with THE WHISTLER, Deputy Speaker Okezie stated that the Abia State Electricity Law marked a significant step towards improved electricity provision in the state.
“Abia State has, by this law, started a bold move to ensure that electricity users in the state get real value for their money. This law will give birth to the formation of a regulatory commission,” he said.
Okezie emphasized that the law aims to increase the number of hours of electricity supply in the state, making it more conducive for businesses and residents.
“The essence of this law is to increase the number of times users in Abia State have light and to regulate the usage.
“We hope to see an influx of investors into the electricity sector in the state, leading to improved electricity provision and a positive impact on the state’s economy,” the Deputy Speaker explained.
Speaking on the Abia State Lotteries and Gaming Authority Bill, Okezie assured that the bill will have no negative impact on the state’s youth, as it will be properly regulated.
“We want a platform to regulate the activities, presently, we are not going to deny it’s a reality on board in the country as a whole having betNAija, bet kings etc.
“Our aim now is to set the parameters and set the modules upon which these lotteries and games or gamings will take place. Without that, we’ll be chasing shadows.
“Components of the bill will only help to enable Abia State to take a serious and a very proactive stance in curtailing the excesses surrounding this sector of the economy,” he added.
